Congregation Bet Ha’am and Adas Yoshuron Synagogue will be sponsoring Rabbi Andrew Hahn (the “Kirtan Rabbi”) for a concert event at Congregation Bet Ha’am, 81 Westbrook Street in South Portland, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2-4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

Hahn is one of a new breed of cutting-edge, artist-rabbis whose joyful music and teachings address the deepest longings of the 21st century. He unites celebration of Torah and song in a way that allows people of all ages (and faiths) to discover renewed energy within their Jewish or spiritual practice. A longtime martial arts instructor with a doctorate in Jewish philosophy, Hahn laces his simple, alluring chants with meditation techniques and traditional learning.

The practice of Kirtan originated in India. Its intention was to bring sacred chanting out of the temple precincts and into the streets for everyone to experience. Its form is nearly always in the call-and-response format. Hahn himself characterizes Hebrew Kirtan as, “fully participatory call-and-response chant where short, sacred phrases from the Jewish tradition are treated as powerful, universal meditations. It is at once contemplative, ecstatic, and …simply fun.” Many religious experts and journalists feel that kirtan is particularly suited to these times, when so many people seek to participate in uplifting, communal experiences.

At a Kirtan Rabbi event, the room becomes filled with singing, dancing, and exalted communal feeling.

Rabbi Hahn received rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and earned a Ph.D. from the Jewish Theological Seminary, both in New York City.For more information on Kirtan Rabbi and Hebrew Kirtan (including a video), go to www.KirtanRabbi.com.

Rabbi Andrew Hahn

Copy the Story Link